by Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D.

In seven simple steps, Uncovering Happiness uses cutting-edge mindfulness and self-
compassion techniques along with innovations in neuroscience to release natural antidepressants in the brain. Dr. Goldstein shows you how to take back control of your mind, your mood, and your life.

Most of us believe when we’re depressed that our situation is hopeless. That’s a mistake, Dr. Elisha Goldstein reassures us in Uncovering Happiness. The secret to overcoming depression and uncovering happiness is in harnessing our brain’s own natural antidepressant power and ultimately creating a more resilient antidepressant brain. Uncovering Happiness is grounded in two key foundations: mindfulness and self-compassion, and backed by recent scientific discoveries. New research shows that mindfulness reduces the risk of relapse in people who have experienced depression and can be a significant alternative, or supplement, to medication. The second foundation is self-compassion—a state of mind in which you understand your own suffering with an inclination to support yourself. Goldstein explores our natural antidepressants—along with mindfulness and self-compassion, also purpose, play, and confidence—and offers specific techniques for putting them into action. Together, these elements can transform something that typically forces us to spiral downward and turn it into an upward spiral of self-worth and resiliency.

At its core, Uncovering Happiness contains a persuasive argument for hope: Having had depression in the past doesn’t mean you must also suffer from it in the future. You can build up the sections of the brain that protect you from depression, and slow down the sections that
foster it. Doing this allows the brain’s own natural antidepressants to emerge, grow stronger,
and contribute powerfully to the resiliency that we need to enjoy the good times, survive
difficult times, and open ourselves up to lives that truly feel worth living.

What People Are Saying

“Uncovering Happiness helps depression sufferers build a mindful and compassionate engagement with mood disorders by drawing on inner resources that are available to each and every one of us.” —Zindel Segal, Ph.D., author of The Mindful Way Workbook and Distinguished Professor of Mood Disorders, University of Toronto Scarborough

“If you want to flourish instead of feeling anxious, empty or down in the dumps, Uncovering Happiness offers the practical science-based tools to create a new life of meaning, connection and well-being. In this fabulous resource filled with helpful insights, Elisha Goldstein paves the way to easily understand the core components of happiness and shows how to take the steps to weave them into a rewarding tapestry of a new way of living fully.” —Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., Clinical Professor, UCLA School of Medicine and author of the New York Times bestselling Brainstorm and Mindsight

“For those who have lost precious seasons of their life to the tenacity of depression, this book offers a pathway of hope. Drawing on current findings in neuroscience, his own dedicated personal practice and extensive clinical experience, Elisha Goldstein offers expert guidance in bringing mindfulness and self-compassion- the two most potent strategies I know—to healing our hearts and minds.” —Tara Brach, Ph.D., author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge

“There is deep wisdom here, spoken in a way you can hear it, as well as short-cuts–practices that insure your journey of uncovering happiness will succeed. This is a book to keep by your bedside, long after you’ve read the stories, identified your triggers and practiced the tools. It will remind you of all the ways you can access the joy beneath whatever story you are telling yourself. I loved this book.” —Amy Weintraub, Founding Director of the LifeForce Yoga Healing Institute and author of Yoga Skills for Therapists: Effective Practices for Mood Management

“A treasure trove of information and techniques to foster peace of mind and invaluable insight for those of us that are so often at war with our thoughts.” —Therese J. Borchard, author of Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad Genes

“Uncovering Happiness is an invaluable handbook filled with poignant stories about Dr. Goldstein’s own life delivered with clear, practical wisdom that people seek in difficult times. This not only adds up to a crucial recovery program for depression, but a more enduring life of contentment, calm and happiness.” —Susan Stiffelman, author of Parenting Without Power Struggles

“This is one of the best books on working with depression I’ve read. It is beautifully written, easy to understand, and incorporates the latest empirical evidence to back its points. This book has the power to change your life.” —Kristin Neff, author of Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself

“A very important book and an invaluable resource for anyone who has experienced depression as well as for those who love them.” —Sharon Salzberg, Co-Founder of the Insight Meditation Society and author of Real Happiness

“Thorough, credible, and so supportive, this book offers proven strategies for lifting your mood and coming home to your natural happiness. Dr. Goldstein grounds his very practical tools and tips in the latest brain science, and his warmth and wisdom fill every page.” —Rick Hanson, Ph.D., author of Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence

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